3 - World History - Ancient World to 1750 CE Flashcards
This deck explores the history of major civilizations from ancient times to the early modern period. It covers the rise and fall of empires, the impact of cultural exchange, and the effects of global trade and colonization.
Identify:
Key contributions of Ancient Greek civilization to Western philosophy and science.
- Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle laid the foundations of Western philosophy, emphasizing reason, ethics, and political theory.
- Advances in mathematics by Euclid.
- Principles of physics by Archimedes.
- Hippocratic Oath in medicine.
Explain:
How did the political structures of different city-states, such as Athens and Sparta, shape their societies and interactions?
- Athens’ democracy promoted civic participation, intellectual pursuits, and cultural achievements.
- Sparta’s oligarchic and militaristic system focused on discipline, military prowess, and austere living, leading to a society centered on warrior culture.
Explain:
In what ways did Ancient Greek art and architecture reflect their values and beliefs?
- Greek art celebrated human beauty and form, exemplified by sculptures like the Venus de Milo and Discobolus.
- Architecture, such as the Parthenon, showcased their religious devotion, architectural innovation, and emphasis on harmony and proportion.
Explain:
What role did mythology and religion play in the everyday lives of Ancient Greeks?
- Greek mythology and religion provided explanations for natural phenomena, human behavior, and life events, deeply influencing daily life and cultural practices.
- Religious rituals, festivals, and oracles were integral to public and private life, reinforcing social cohesion and moral values.
Identify::
Key factors that led to the rise and expansion of the Roman Republic and later the Roman Empire.
- Military conquest and strategic alliances.
- Effective administrative and legal systems.
Describe:
How did Roman law and governance evolve from the Republic to the Empire, and what were the major reforms introduced during this transition?
- Transition from a Republic with elected officials to an Empire with centralized autocratic rule.
- Rise of Julius Caesar.
- Major reforms included the establishment of imperial bureaucracy and codification of laws (e.g., Justinian’s Code).
Identify:
Causes and effects of the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD.
- Causes: internal instability, economic troubles, and invasions by barbarian tribes.
- Effects: fragmentation of Western Europe and the rise of feudalism.
Explain:
How did Roman culture, including its art, architecture, and literature, influence the development of Western civilization?
- Roman architecture, such as the use of arches, vaults, and concrete, became foundational in Western building design.
- Roman law, governance, and Latin language shaped European legal systems and languages.
- Roman literature, particularly works by Virgil, Ovid, and Cicero, provided a model for later Western literature, inspiring themes of heroism, morality, and rhetoric that persist in modern Western culture.
Describe:
What were the social and economic structures of ancient Rome, and how did they impact daily life for different classes within Roman society?
- Society was hierarchical, with a clear divide between patricians (elite) and plebeians (commoners).
- Economic activities included agriculture, trade, and slavery, influencing social dynamics and daily life.
Identify:
Aspects of Ancient Roman life that are still used in societies today.
- Legal Systems
- Infrastructure and Engineering
- Language
- Architecture
- Government and Republic
Identify:
How did Cyrus the Great establish the Persian Empire?
- Military skill.
- Open mindedness about how subjects should be treated.
- Administrative skill by ruling through provinces.
Explain:
What were the key factors and historical circumstances that led to the formation and rise of the Persian Empire?
- The unification of Persian tribes under the leadership of Cyrus the Great in the mid-6th century BCE.
- Strategic military conquests and diplomatic strategies that expanded Persian territory and influence, including the defeat of the Medes, Lydians, and Babylonians.
Explain:
How did the administrative structure and governance of the Persian Empire under the Achaemenid dynasty contribute to its stability and ability to manage a vast and diverse territory?
- Relied on a system of satrapies, or provinces, each governed by a satrap who maintained local control while remaining loyal to the central authority.
- Created a decentralized approach to governance, which allowed the empire to efficiently manage its vast and diverse territories.
- Used standardized laws, a centralized tax system, and a network of roads to facilitate communication, trade, and military coordination across the empire.
Explain:
How did the economic policies and infrastructure of the Persian Empire contribute to its stability and expansion?
- Standardized taxation and the use of a common currency created a stable financial system that supported both the government and trade across its vast territories.
- Infrastructure projects like the Royal Road and an extensive postal system enhanced communication, trade, and military mobilization, linking distant provinces and ensuring efficient governance.
Describe:
Geography of the Persian Empire.
- Stretched from the eastern Mediterranean and Egypt in the west to the Indus Valley in the east.
- Encompassed varied landscapes, including deserts, mountain ranges, fertile plains, and coastal regions, across modern-day Iran, Turkey, Egypt, parts of Greece, and Central Asia.
Explain:
What were the major political and cultural achievements of the Maurya and Gupta Empires, and how did they shape ancient Indian civilization?
- The Maurya Empire achieved significant political unification under Ashoka, who also promoted Buddhism.
- The Gupta Empire is known for its cultural and scientific advancements, often referred to as the Golden Age of India.
Explain:
How did the religious and philosophical traditions of Hinduism develop and influence society?
- Developed through a synthesis of ancient Vedic traditions and local beliefs
- Established a complex system of deities, rituals, and social orders, which deeply influenced Indian society’s cultural and social norms.
Explain:
How did the religious and philosophical traditions of Buddhism develop and influence society?
- Emerged from the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama.
- Advocated for the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
- Challenged the rigid caste system and promoted ideals of compassion and enlightenment, spreading across Asia and impacting various cultures.
Explain:
How did the religious and philosophical traditions of Jainism develop and influence society?
- Founded by Mahavira.
- Emphasized non-violence (ahimsa), asceticism, and self-discipline.
- Influenced social and ethical practices and contributed to the development of vegetarianism in the region.
Identify:
3 pillars of Indian society.
- The Village: comprised of small villages that had autonomy,
- The Caste System: formed through the Laws of Manu, an ancient text which governed everyday life.
- The Family: formed around the joint family, in which the wives of the sons in a family live with the son’s parents and collectively rear children.
Identify:
Levels in the Indian Caste System.
- Brahmin
- Kshatriya
- Vaishya
- Shudra
- Untouchables
Describe:
Geography of the Indus Valley civilization.
- Located on a flat alluvial plains.
- Surrounded by ocean, desert, and mountains.
- Covered with swamps and dense forests.
- The 2 major cities were Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro.
Explain:
Key intellectual and cultural achievements of the Gupta Dynasty.
- Development of the concept of zero.
- Significant contributions to algebra and astronomy.
- Advancements in medical knowledge through texts like the Sushruta Samhita and Charaka Samhita.
- Flourishing of classical Sanskrit literature.
Describe:
What were the key factors in the emergence of the Huang He civilization, and why was it significant in ancient Chinese history?
- Emerged due to fertile land along the Yellow River, fostering agricultural development.
- Became significant for its early advancements in Chinese culture, technology, and state formation.
Describe:
How did the geography of Ancient China affect its livelihood?
Natural barriers such as tropical rainforests, the Tibetan Plateau’s tundra, the Himalayas, and the Gobi Desert isolated China, limited expansion and trade while providing protection from invasions.
Explain:
How does Confucianism influence modern societal structures and cultural practices in East Asian countries?
- Emphasizing hierarchical relationships and social harmony, influencing governance, education, and family dynamics.
- Cultural practices such as filial piety, respect for elders, and emphasis on collective well-being reflect Confucian values, promoting social cohesion and continuity of traditions.
Explain:
How have the teachings of Confucius influenced philosophical thought and governance throughout history?
- Emphasized moral integrity, social harmony, and the importance of hierarchical relationships, which significantly shaped philosophical thought and ethical behavior in East Asian societies.
- His ideas about governance, such as the importance of virtuous leadership and the role of education in creating a just society, influenced political systems and administrative practices throughout Chinese history and beyond.
- Confucian principles also contributed to the development of meritocratic systems and the cultivation of personal and societal virtues, impacting cultural and governmental structures in countries like Korea, Japan, and Vietnam.
Identify:
2 major philosophies in China during the Warring States period.
- Confucianism: governed interactions between individuals and emphasized education.
- Taoism: focused on understanding the vastness of the world and harmony with nature.
Identify:
Major political, social, and technological advancements during the Zhou Dynasty.
- Introduced the concept of the Mandate of Heaven.
- Decentralized feudalism.
- Created significant technological advancements like iron metallurgy and agricultural improvements.
Explain:
How did the Qin Dynasty’s centralization of power and legal reforms transform the political and administrative landscape of ancient China?
- Standardization of laws, currency, weights, and measures.
- Construction of extensive infrastructure like roads and the Great Wall, fundamentally transformed China’s political and administrative landscape, establishing a unified and efficient state.
Explain:
Political contributions of the Han Dynasty.
- Established a centralized bureaucratic system with a structured hierarchy, utilizing civil service exams to recruit qualified officials, which set a model for future Chinese governance.
- Expanded China’s territory through military conquests and diplomatic alliances, consolidating its control over key regions and establishing the Silk Road for trade and cultural exchange.
- Implemented legal reforms and standardized administrative practices, including codifying laws and improving tax systems, which contributed to greater stability and efficiency in governance.
Explain:
How did the Silk Road facilitate cultural, economic, and technological exchanges between East and West, and what impact did it have on the development of civilizations along its routes?
- Enabled the exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies between East and West, facilitating trade in silk, spices, and other commodities while spreading innovations like papermaking and gunpowder.
- Fostered cultural and religious interactions, leading to the diffusion of philosophies, religions, and artistic styles, which significantly influenced the development of civilizations along its routes.
Explain:
Significance of the Neolithic Age.
- Shift from hunter-gatherer societies to sedentary living, which involved the establishments of human settlements.
- Domestication of plants and animals through artificial selection, by which humans fostered certain desired traits and species through breeding and the use of the ard plough.
Explain:
How did the geography of ancient Mesopotamia shape its societal development, economy, and cultural achievements?
- The fertile land between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers facilitated agricultural prosperity and urbanization, leading to the development of city-states and early forms of governance.
- The region’s strategic location enabled trade and cultural exchanges across the ancient Near East, influencing art, literature, and technological advancements.
Describe:
How was government established in Ancient Mesopotamia?
- Combination of religious authority and centralized rule, with city-states often governed by priest-kings or monarchs who wielded both secular and religious power.
- These rulers were responsible for maintaining order, administering justice, and overseeing agricultural and economic activities, often supported by a bureaucracy of officials and scribes.
- As Mesopotamian societies evolved, the emergence of codified laws, such as the Code of Hammurabi, further institutionalized governance and established standardized legal frameworks.
Describe:
What were the primary factors that contributed to the rise and longevity of Ancient Egypt’s civilization?
- The Nile River provided fertile land for agriculture, enabling sustained food production and supporting population growth.
- Strong centralized leadership under pharaohs and an efficient bureaucracy helped maintain stability and order over centuries.
Describe:
How did religious beliefs and practices shape the social and political structures of Ancient Egypt?
- The concept of divine kingship, where pharaohs were considered gods, reinforced the authority and legitimacy of rulers.
- Religious institutions and temples played a central role in the economy, as they owned vast tracts of land and resources.
Describe:
In what ways did Ancient Egypt’s interactions with neighboring civilizations influence its culture, technology, and economy?
- Trade with neighboring regions brought in goods, ideas, and technologies, fostering economic and cultural exchange.
- Military campaigns, diplomacy, alliances, and treaties helped Egypt secure its borders and influence surrounding areas.
Identify:
4 major Near East Empires during the Iron Age.
- The Assyrian Empire
- The Babylonian Empire
- The Hittite Empire
- The Neo-Elamite Empire
Explain:
How did religion become a unifying factor after the Roman Empire fell?
- Christianity emerged as a unifying factor in Europe by providing a common religious framework and moral code that transcended regional and political divisions.
- The Catholic Church played a central role in preserving and transmitting knowledge, cultural values, and administrative skills, helping to stabilize and integrate fragmented territories.
Explain:
How did the geography of Mesoamerica impact the development of civilizations in the region?
- The region’s abundant rainfall and fertile soil, particularly in the valleys and lowlands, provided ideal conditions for agriculture.
- Mesoamerica’s diverse ecosystems, including coastal plains, highlands, and rainforests, offered a variety of resources, such as timber, stone, and wildlife.
- Mountains and rivers often served as natural barriers, which could both protect civilizations from invaders and limit their interactions with other groups.
- Rivers and waterways also provided natural trade routes, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and people between different civilizations.
Explain:
Significance of the “Calendar Round” in Mesoamerican cultures.
- Complex calendrical system used by many Mesoamerican civilizations.
- Combination of two separate calendars: the solar year (365 days) and the sacred year (260 days).
- The alignment of these two calendars created a 52-year cycle, which was believed to mark the end of a world age and the potential for renewal or destruction.
Describe:
Formation of the Olmec civilization.
- Rose to prominence around 1200 B.C.E.
- Thrived in the humid lowlands of the Gulf Coast, characterized by dense tropical forests, rivers, and access to the sea.
- The region offered abundant resources, including timber, rubber, and seafood, which supported the development of a complex society.
Explain:
What are 3 impacts of the Olmec civilization?
- Their art, religion, and technology were adopted and adapted by later civilizations.
- Developed a complex symbolic language, which influenced the development of writing systems in subsequent Mesoamerican cultures.
- Had a deep understanding of astronomy, which they used to track the movements of celestial bodies and predict important events.
Describe:
Formation of Maya civilization.
- Emerged from a long history of human settlement in Mesoamerica.
- Over time, various indigenous groups developed agricultural practices, trade networks, and religious beliefs that laid the foundation for the Maya civilization.
- The Classic Maya period, from around 250-900 CE, is considered the height of Maya civilization, characterized by the rise of powerful city-states and the development of complex architecture, astronomy, and mathematics.
Explain:
What are 3 significant imacts of the Aztec civilization?
- Built impressive cities, developed advanced agriculture, and established a vast trading network.
- Produced exquisite art and architecture, had a complex religion, and developed oral literature.
- Legacy has endured and influenced the culture and history of Mexico and Latin America.
Explain:
3 causes of expansion among Asian and Islamic Empires.
300 C.E. to 1400 C.E.
- Empires like the Tang, Abbasid, and Mongol sought to expand their territories, influence, and economic resources to control trade routes, access new markets, and collect taxes.
- Improvements in transportation, agriculture, and military technology, such as the stirrup and gunpowder, facilitated expansion and conquest.
- Some empires, particularly the Islamic Caliphates, were motivated by a desire to spread their faith and establish a universal Islamic community.
Example: The Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) expanded its territory across much of East Asia, becoming a major cultural and economic center.
Describe:
Consequences of interaction among Asian and Islamic Empires.
300 C.E to 1400 C.E.
- The interaction between civilizations led to the diffusion of cultural practices, such as Buddhism, Confucianism, and Islam which had a profound impact on the beliefs, values, and social structures of the societies they influenced.
- Innovations in areas such as agriculture, medicine, and mathematics were shared among different civilizations.
- The exchange of ideas and knowledge between different civilizations fostered intellectual development and innovation.
- The Abbasid Caliphate, for example, became a major center of learning and scholarship, attracting scholars from all over the Islamic world.
Example: the Arabs introduced many new crops and agricultural techniques to the Islamic world, while Chinese inventions such as gunpowder and papermaking were transmitted to other regions.
Describe:
What were the key characteristics and impacts of the feudal system on medieval European society?
- Structured medieval European society through a hierarchy of lords, vassals, and serfs.
- Provided social stability, military protection, and a framework for land ownership and economic activity.
Identify:
5 Pillars of Islam.
- Shahada (Profession of Faith): Muslims must profess their faith to Allah
- Salah (Prayer): Pray 5 times daily
- Zakat (Almsgiving): Be charitable to the less fortunate
- Sawm (Fasting): Fast during the month of Ramadah
- Hajj (Pilgrimage): Make 1 journey to Mecca in their lifetimes
Explain:
Great Schism of 1054 and its significance.
- The division between Western and Eastern Christians into Catholic and Orthodox Churches.
- Driven by disputes over papal authority and theological differences, such as the Filioque clause.
- Additional factors included differing beliefs about purgatory, the veneration of icons, and practices like priestly celibacy and the use of unleavened bread in the Eucharist.
Describe:
What were the primary causes and effects of the Crusades for both Europe and the Middle East?
Causes:
- religious zeal to reclaim the Holy Land
- desire for political and territorial gain
- economic incentives such as trade opportunities
Effects:
- significant cultural exchange
- increased tension between Christians and Muslims
- lasting impacts on the political and social structures of both Europe and the Middle East
Explain:
How did cultural exchanges resulting from invasions influence societies during the Middle Ages?
- The Norman invasion of England in 1066 brought French language and customs, blending with Anglo-Saxon traditions and significantly influencing English culture and governance.
- The Mongol invasions across Eurasia in the 13th century facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies between East and West, leading to advancements such as the spread of gunpowder and improved trade routes.
- The Islamic conquests of the Iberian Peninsula introduced Islamic architecture, science, and scholarship to Europe, particularly in Spain, where cities like Córdoba became centers of learning and cultural fusion.
Cultural exchanges introduced new ideas, technologies, and traditions, which often blended with existing local practices.
Explain:
How did the Magna Carta influence the development of legal and political systems in medieval England and beyond?
- Established the principle that everyone, including the king, was subject to the law, laying the groundwork for constitutional governance in England.
- Influenced the development of legal systems by introducing concepts such as due process and the protection of individual rights, which later inspired democratic principles worldwide.
Explain:
How did the relationship between Marco Polo and the Great Khan influence the spread of Chinese technology?
- In the late 13th century, Marco Polo (from Venice) explored Mongolia (China) and built a relationship with the Great Khan.
- He brought back to Europe valuable maps and technologies like the compass, the noodle, the printing press, gunpowder, paper money, and coal.
Describe:
How did the Medieval Guild system work?
- They were organized groups of merchants, traders, and artisans that formed due to the increased taxes placed on peasants by the ruling class of the feudal system. Like unions, they regulated work hours and conditions for their work members.
- Workers would get free training and tools to work their way up to getting paid.
Identify:
What were the primary causes and effects of the Hundred Years’ War between England and France?
Causes:
- territorial disputes over French lands held by English kings
- claims to the French throne
Effects:
- end of feudalism in France
- the rise of national identities
- shifts in military tactics, such as the increased use of longbows and gunpowder.
Explain:
Causes of exploration and trade.
1200-1750 C.E.
- Innovations like the astrolabe, compass, and improved shipbuilding techniques made long-distance sea voyages more feasible.
- The invention of the printing press facilitated the spread of knowledge, ideas, and religious texts.
- Desire for luxury goods like spices, silk, and porcelain drove merchants to seek new trade routes and markets.
Explain:
Effects of exploration and trade.
1200-1750 C.E.
- Expanded Trade Networks: New sea routes and increased trade fostered economic growth and cultural exchange.
- Colonial Domination: European powers established vast empires, exploiting resources and leading to global conflict and cultural disruption.
- Demographic Shifts: Population growth and migration reshaped societies and cultures worldwide.
Example: Colombian Exchange
Identify:
Key factors that contributed to the emergence of the Italian Renaissance as a major cultural and intellectual movement.
- The revival of classical learning and humanism.
- Patronage of wealthy families.
- Flourishing trade economy.
Explain:
How did the Italian Renaissance influence art, architecture, and literature in Europe?
- Revolutionized art with the development of techniques such as perspective, chiaroscuro, and realistic human anatomy.
- Masterpieces by artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael inspired artists across Europe.
- Revival of classical Greco-Roman styles, emphasizing symmetry, proportion, and the use of columns and domes.
- Literature, driven by humanist ideals, produced works that explored human nature and individualism.
Identify:
In what ways did the political and economic conditions of Italian city-states impact the development of Renaissance ideas and practices?
- Wealthy merchant families, such as the Medici, invested in artists, scientists, and scholars, enabling the flourishing of Renaissance ideas and practices.
- Strategic trade locations facilitated cultural exchange, bringing new ideas from across Europe and the Mediterranean, further fueling the Renaissance.
Explain:
How did the Protestant Reformation challenge the authority of the Catholic Church and lead to significant political, social, and religious changes in Europe?
- Challenged the authority of the Catholic Church by promoting religious reform and individual interpretation of the scriptures.
- Led to rise of Protestant denominations, decreased papal influence, and the reshaping of societal structures and governance.
Explain:
How was the Church of England established, and what was its significance to King Henry VIII and his reign?
- King Henry VIII began to consolidate the Church’s power within England and to restrict the power of the Pope in Rome.
- Worried about producing a male heir to continue his dynasty, he sought to divorce his wife, but the Pope denied the divorce.
- Made the Act of Supremacy in 1534, officially severing ties between the Church of England and the leadership of the Pope, and requiring the English population to recognize the King as the Supreme Head of the Church.
Describe:
How did the Sack of Rome in 1527 lead to the fall of the Renaissance?
- Disrupted the political and cultural stability of the city.
- Scattered artists and intellectuals all over Europe.
- Diminished the patronage that fueled the period’s artistic and scholarly achievements.
Describe:
How was the Council of Trent a significant event in the history of Catholicism?
- Marked the Catholic Church’s definitive response to the Protestant Reformation.
- Led to substantial internal reforms, the clarification of Catholic doctrines, and the strengthening of church discipline.
Explain:
Why was Queen Elizabeth I of England important?
- Monarch of England during the country’s Golden Age (1558 to 1604).
- Leadership contributed extensively to the economic and social development of the country.
- Kept peace between the Catholics and Anglicans.
- This peace led to an increase in arts and culture, and exploration and science.
Describe:
Significance of the Thirty Years’ War.
- Reshaped the political and religious landscape of Europe.
- Led to the decline of the Holy Roman Empire, the rise of state sovereignty, and the reconfiguration of power dynamics through the Peace of Westphalia in 1648.
Explain:
How did the English Civil War alter the balance of power between the monarchy and Parliament, and what were its long-term effects on the governance of England?
- Shifted the balance of power decisively in favor of Parliament over the monarchy.
- Culminated in the temporary establishment of the Commonwealth and the eventual constitutional monarchy, which permanently transformed English governance.
Explain:
In what ways did the social, religious, and economic tensions of 17th-century England contribute to the outbreak and progression of the English Civil War?
- The social tensions combined with religious conflicts between Anglicans, Puritans, and Catholics, fueled widespread dissatisfaction with the monarchy.
- Economic pressures, including heavy taxation and disputes over royal financial policies, further exacerbated these tensions, leading to the outbreak of war.
Explain:
How did the changing political landscape of Central and Eastern Europe in the 1600s set the stage for wars and conflicts the following century?
- Fragmentation of Central and Eastern Europe into competing states with shifting alliances and rivalries.
- Rise of powerful states like Prussia and the weakening of others, such as Poland and the Ottoman Empire, led to a power vacuum and increased competition.
Explain:
How did Peter the Great’s reforms and modernization efforts transform Russia into a major European power in the early 18th century?
- Extensive reforms in the military, government, and industry.
- Modernized Russia’s infrastructure and culture, significantly enhanced the nation’s military and economic capabilities.
- Established new capital in St. Petersburg, and focused on expanding Russia’s influence and naval power.
Explain:
How did the Scientific Revolution fundamentally alter the approach to scientific inquiry and knowledge, and what impact did it have on the development of modern science?
- Transformed the approach to scientific inquiry by emphasizing empirical evidence, experimentation, and mathematical reasoning.
- Laid the groundwork for the development of modern scientific methods and disciplines.
Explain:
In what ways did key figures of the Scientific Revolution, such as Galileo Galilei, Isaac Newton, and Johannes Kepler, contribute to the shift from classical to modern scientific thought?
- Challenged established views.
- Advanced the laws of physics and astronomy.
- Established a new framework for understanding the natural world.
Explain:
How did the advancements and ideas of the Scientific Revolution influence other areas of society, including politics, religion, and philosophy, during and after the 17th century?
- The Scientific Revolution emphasized reason, observation, and empirical evidence.
- Significantly influenced Enlightenment thinking which advocated for political reforms, individual rights, and the separation of church and state.
- Principles challenged traditional religious doctrines and philosophical views.
- Led to a more secular, rational approach to understanding the world and shaping modern political and philosophical thought.
Identify:
Who were 6 important philosophers of the Enlightenment?
- Immanuel Kant
- Isaac Newton
- John Locke
- Baron de Montesquieu
- Thomas Hobbes
- David Hume
The Enlightenment spanned over two centuries and two continents (Europe and North America).
Identify:
4 principles of the Enlightenment.
- Rationalism
- Empiricism
- Progressivism
- Cosmopolitanism
Explain:
What were Enlightened Despots and why were they important?
- Frederick the Great, Catherine II, Maria Theresa, and Joseph II.
- Tried to integrate the ideals of Enlightenment into their absolute monarchies.
- Enlightened absolutism: despots are justified having absolute power if they use that power for the common good of their subjects.
